Here are some products I think of as "calorie bargains."

FRUIT2DAY STRAWBERRY ORANGE SMOOTHIE

The why: My 6-year-old daughter loved it, and she's pretty picky. Various other taste-testers also really enjoyed it. This product combines "real fruit bits" and rich puree as well as some natural juice and, as a result, delivers a tasty and healthy snack.

Health bonus: As a nation, we don't eat enough fruit. This product won't change that, but by having it as a snack instead of empty calories, you'll get some fruit nutrients and antioxidants.

What we like: There's no added sugar.

What we don't like: Well, it's still a high-calorie drink, but I do like that the company positions it as a sort of snack, not a drink.

What it replaces: Cookies, candy, cake.

Price: A two-pack sells for about $3.79. Fruit2day is available in stores such as Safeway and Whole Foods. Or visit www.fruit2day.com/wheretofindit.htm.

Other flavors: Cherry grape, mango peach, pineapple banana.

Nutrition: One container (200 ml), 110 calories, 0 fat, 27 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein.

Ingredients: Strawberry pieces, apple juice from concentrate and puree, white grape juice from concentrate, orange juice with pulp from concentrate, banana puree, pineapple pieces and puree, aronia berry juice from concentrate, acerola cherry juice from concentrate, natural flavor.

'GOLDEN DOOR COOKS AT HOME'

A cookbook by Dean Rucker and Marah Stets (hardcover, 288 pages, Clarkson Potter, 2009).

The why: Rucker is the chef at the famed Golden Door Spa, which has been around for 50 years. The book focuses on lean proteins, whole grains, fresh vegetables and other wholesome foods.

Nutritional information for each recipe is listed in the back of the book.

What we like: Healthy eaters will appreciate the Vinaigrettes and Dressings section.

What we don't like: Like most cookbooks, the recipes are for many servings, and if you eat more than one serving, even healthy foods become unhealthy. Watch the portion sizes. Freeze the leftovers right away so you're not tempted to eat them.

Price: $40, at your local bookstore or online.

ORIGO PASO PEDOMETER WATCH

The why: There's great research on how pedometers increase your overall steps each day. This watch measures your distance and counts the calories you burn while you run or walk.

Health bonus: People who use a pedometer tend to stay with their exercise program longer and end up losing more weight.

What we like: It includes a step timer, target step counter, stopwatch and total distance traveled. It's light and comfortable, with a large LCD display.

What we don't like: It's a bit difficult to set up.

Price: $40, www.origowatch.com.